FERPA Informational Guide: Part 5

Are education records of student athletes covered by FERPA?

The education records of student athletes are covered by FERPA. Without a signed consent form, personally identifiable information may not be disclosed from the education records of student athletes nor may they appear on the published team roster.

Do student account balances and medical records meet the definition of education records under FERPA?
Yes. Records that are directly related to a student and maintained by an educational agency or institution or by a party acting for the agency or institution are “education records” under FERPA. 34 CFR § 99.3.

Where can I get more information regarding FERPA?
On campus, please contact Barbara Prescott, University Registrar, at 318-357-6171.

The name and address of the office that administers FERPA is:

Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Ave., SW
Washington, D.C. 20202-5901

Phone: (202) 260-3887
Fax:(202)260-9001
Email: ferpa@ed.gov
Web: www.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/fpco/index.html
Assistance is also available from AACRAO at ferpa@aacrao.org

FERPA Questions and Answers for Faculty and Staff

When does the coverage of FERPA begin and end?
Coverage begins at NSU when a student submits an application for admission. The coverage of FERPA is effective until death for records concerning the individual’s status as a student of the institution. FERPA does not cover other individual records maintained by Northwestern, such as personnel or alumni records.

What do you do when a third party asks you for a student’s schedule?
Third party requests for a schedule are not honored unless the request falls within an emergency exception to FERPA, and then refer requestor to the Office of University Police.

Requests to locate a student are referred to the Office of University Police. That office will get a message to the student.

What do you do when students ask for a copy of their schedule of classes?
Advise students to obtain a copy of their schedule of classes from  the NSUConnect system.

Where is the notice of FERPA rights to students located?
Notice of FERPA rights is available on:NSU Main Web page at http://www.nsula.edu; Registrar’s Office web page at http://registrar.nsula.edu; FERPA Web page at http://registrar.nsula.edu/ferpa-infoguide; and Student-Right-to-Know Web page at http://righttoknow.nsula.edu